FAQ

Hiring the right speaker can be a lot of work. Let Preferred Speakers help you.

Preferred Speakers has the experience to help you locate and select the ideal speaker for your needs.

Below is a listing of frequently asked questions and answers. If your question isn’t answered here, please contact us for further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why should I work with Preferred Speakers?

A: Meeting planning executives partner with Preferred Speakers because we have experience, access and knowledge booking talent for events. We save our clients’ time. With more than 75 years of booking talent, we know the speakers, entertainers, experts and trainers that are available for corporate, non-profit, association and college and university events! And in 75 years you learn a thing or two—like how to listen and understand with a laser-beam focus, make the process easy and have fun along the way. Preferred Speakers serves as your behind the scenes partner, providing all the support from the initial search, to the confirmation, PR, logistics, invoicing and anything else necessary for a successful event. In the unlikely chance the speaker can’t make the event, Preferred Speakers’ access, experience and knowledge will quickly recommend a replacement speaker.

We have a common goal…to partner with meeting executives and talent to produce extraordinary events. It’s what we do and we’re good at it!

Q: I have never booked a speaker before. Where do I start?

A: Contact Preferred Speakers. First, we listen to you. We will work with you to bring your speaker and program needs into focus. Preferred Speakers uses the largest library in the country to find the right expert, trainer or celebrity for your event. For more than 60 years, we have helped clients find successful speakers to discuss customer service, sales, sports, motivation, media, entertainment, technology, economics, future trends, politics, and business.

Q: Do I pay more for using a speaker bureau?

A: No. Our service is free to you. Preferred Speakers is compensated by the speaker when booked. Our service to you, including research, speaker preview, and booking, is free. If you work with us and choose not to book a speaker – there is still no charge.

Q: What is your recovery plan in the event of a problem?

A: We are committed to your program’s success. As a result, no matter what the problem might be – including weather and travel conflicts – you’re in competent hands that have the resources and expertise to efficiently resolve it.

Q: Are preview videos available?

A: Absolutely. And they’re free. To help you select the right speaker for your program, we’ll send videos of virtually any speaker you request.

Q: Will I be able to communicate directly with the speaker prior to my event?

A: Many of our speakers are available to speak with you directly throughout the selection process.

Q: How much do speakers cost?

A: Speaker fees typically start at $5,000. In most all cases, expenses, such as airfare, hotel, transportation, meals, and any out-of-pocket expenses, are in addition to the fee. International travel and presentations generally carry an incremental cost increase.

Q: Does it cost more for a longer presentation?

A: Generally, yes. Since speakers set their own fees, there is no real rule-of-thumb. Some speakers will charge a base fee for one-hour talks. This fee increases for half- and full-days. Other speakers will charge the same fee whether it’s an hour-long presentation or all-day seminar.

Q: Do I have to arrange travel for the speaker?

A: Preferred Speakers works with two different travel consultant agencies with specialties in domestic and international travel to offer the best service to our customers.

Q: Can presentations be audio or video taped?

A: This varies. Speakers have their own policies as to the recording of their intellectual property.

Q: What is an exclusive speaker?

A: An exclusive speaker is someone who signs an exclusive representation agreement with an agent. In almost all instances, agents work with Preferred Speakers to give you access to the very best speakers.